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Origin and history

The bell tower of the Accoules is the last vestige of the church of Notre-Dame-des-Accoules, a medieval collegiate in southern Gothic style built in the heart of Marseille. Founded before the 11th century, it was initially attached to the Saint-Victor Abbey and played a central role in local religious and judicial life: justice was there in front of its portal, on the present Daviel Square. Its name would come from its arch structure ("per anglos and arcuatim constructa"), although some associate with an ancient nearby spring feeding a stream towards the port.

The church was entirely rebuilt in 1205 (date attested by a preserved inscription) and probably redesigned in the 14th century, as evidenced by its arches and five spans. It housed two superimposed sanctuaries, accessible by a south pole, and was 50 metres long. In 1794, during the Revolution, it was razed by order of the representatives of the people to punish Marseille for its support of the federalist insurrection. Only the bell tower was spared, because its clock rhythmized the port activities, as well as the bedside wall keeping traces of the destroyed naves.

In 1820 a crypt and a rock ordeal were erected against this wall, symbolizing a post-revolutionary "religious restoration". The Abbé de Forbin-Janson, inspired by a trip to Palestine, erected a monumental cross there during an evangelizing mission marked by a giant procession through Marseilles, despite political tensions (the assassination of the Duke of Berry, military surveillance). This place became a pilgrimage, leading to the construction of a new church of Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Secours (1824–26), a plan centered with dome, embedded in the rocks of the ascent of the Holy Spirit.

The bell tower, classified as a historic monument in 1964, was restored between 2007 and 2013, notably to channel the ancient source causing moisture problems. The nearby church, damaged in 1940 during World War II, was rebuilt in 1951. The site also preserves the memory of Louis Gaufridy, parish priest of the Accoules burned for witchcraft in 1611, after accusations made by two Ursulines of Aix-en-Provence.

Today, the bell tower of the Accoules embodies the historical stratification of Marseilles: from the Roman temple of Minerva (according to tradition) to the medieval church, including revolutionary upheavals and 19th century reconstructions. Its location, between the Town Hall and the Old Port, makes it a major heritage landmark of the 2nd arrondissement.

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